Typhoon Hagupit has struck the Philippines, making landfall in Eastern Samar, pummeling the coastal communities with 130 mph winds. Oxfam is ready to dispatch rapid assessment teams to survey the damage left in its path, and assess and respond to the greatest needs.
The storm, known locally as Ruby, hit areas still recovering from the destruction caused by Super Typhoon Haiyan, which decimated the central region of the archipelago last year, killing more than 6,300 people and forcing 4 million people to leave their homes.
Oxfam Philippines Country Director Justin Morgan said the number one priority in responding to the disaster was determining the impact of the storm, and which areas had been hit hardest.
“The Philippines have suffered yet another blow, with Typhoon Hagupit making landfall earlier this morning,” Mr. Morgan said.
“The storm weakened in intensity as it approached the coast, but there are still concerns for the safety of people in the disaster zone, especially those still recovering from Typhoon Haiyan.”
“Our rapid assessment teams will be surveying the scale of the damage and responding to immediate needs at first light.”
Yesterday Oxfam worked with local authorities to install water storage systems in evacuation centres in Tacloban and assist with the evacuation of people and goods in Ormoc.
